A PRE-CHRISTMAS DATE: Young Love compared to Seasoned Love

Deb and I are fresh back from doing some Christmas shopping and having a nice lunch together at Longhorn Steakhouse! We dressed up and made it into a special time.

But before I can tell you more, I must provide some background information.

Through the years, I’ve struggled with the purchasing of appropriate Christmas gifts for Debbie. There was a season when I bought her appliances and kitchen gizmos. I’ve been wise enough to almost always include some jewelry among her gifts. Some years they were dangled for weeks ahead on the Christmas tree, only to be discovered on Christmas Day after she opened a special, romantic card.

 

I also shopped for her buying her clothing for a few years. I walked through classy department stores and bought her sweaters or tops that I really liked. I remember one that I purchased at Penney’s in the Northern Lights Shopping Plaza in Baden many years ago! It was pure white, with a fair amount of embroidery, with short sleeves and a slight V-neck. I thought it was glamorous! I spent far more money on it than I should have. - - - - - I never saw it after Christmas Day! 😶

 

Somewhere along the way, I realized that I was severely missing the mark!

 

I’m a reasonably intelligent guy and thought to myself: Harold, think this through! There’s got to be a way for you to buy gifts for Deb that will thrill and please her.

 

That’s when I hatched my plan!

 

In early November [while stores are still well supplied with merchandise and sale prices are beginning to become available] I set a date with Deb during the daytime. I took her to the mall and just sauntered through with her. I made sure that we walked through Penney’s and Macy’s Department Stores as well as pausing at a few jewelry stores. Then, it was essential to walk through Yankee Candle and Bath-and Body! Because Victoria’s Secret was right next to Yankee Candle, I always paused to see if she showed any interest in shopping there [Hey! What can I say? I’m only human! 😏]

 

When she would stop and look at certain items, I made mental notes about where we were and which items she picked up. I was discreet and made no comments. I was only present as an observer!

 

Then, the very next day I retraced our steps and purchased many of the items that she had examined. Later, I – very poorly – wrapped these items and placed them under the tree. In most cases, Christmas was still six weeks away, so I don’t believe she ever put two-and-two together. I had solved the problem! From that point on, she was almost always delighted with the gifts that I presented to her. 🙂

 

For whatever reason, a few years ago she seemed reluctant to go shopping with me so early. As a result, I divulged my secret and told her what I had been doing. She thought it was really great and declared that she had not caught on to my plan.

So – today was the day! After her Physical Therapy session, we dressed nicely, hopped into the car and headed for Boardman. First, we walked through Kohl’s. Then, we migrated to T. J. Maxx. She used her card at Kohl’s to get an extra 30% off [I’ll pay that bill for her – of course]! By the time we’d walked through these two stores she was pretty tired and my leg had gone numb. Being a veteran of shopping with my wife, I took my chair-cane with me. I always get a lot of looks when I set it up and sit down to rest for a few moments! ☺

That’s when we headed for the Steakhouse! It was probably 2:30 PM. We were seated immediately and had a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable late lunch together. We gave thanks, enjoyed our appetizer, along with our salads, loaded-baked-potato and potato soup! We brought enough home to have for supper later this evening!  👍

We talked and enjoyed the beauty of this day as we drove to and from Boardman. After a fairly long period of several months affected by her hip pain, surgery and recovery  – it was a most enjoyable treat for us! 

I’ve already told her that I think we should do it again – next week! As for now, two bags of gifts are stashed in my study waiting for me – with my ‘all-thumbs approach’ to wrap them for her delight!   

If nothing else, I can testify to the fact that there is some truth to the old phrase: “Older and Wiser!”

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Maybe next week we’ll hit Victoria’s Secret?   -    [Hey! I’m old, but I’m not dead!  😁]

THE FIRST STREAKER

I'm certain that the idea of running naked has been done quite a number of times throughout history. The earliest report of this activity is based on a legend from the 11th century: Lady Godiva, an Anglo-Saxon noblewoman, rode naked on horseback through the streets of Coventry to protest her husband's strict taxation policies. This incident also spawned the term "peeping Tom" — so named for a town resident who disobeyed Lady Godiva's order that nobody watch her nude voyage. Tom, according to lore, was struck blind or dead for his indiscretion.   [https://theweek.com/articles/490290/streaking-timeline]

From my research, the term 'streaker' originated in March of 1974 when  a Washington, D.C., reporter tried to give a live description of a mass nude run at the University of Maryland. "They are streaking past me right now," the reporter said. "It's an incredible sight!" The phrase was picked up by the Associated Press the following day, and the rest is history.

Less than a month later, the University of Georgia organized the largest streaking event ever, with 1,543 students participating.  There were so many copycat events that year that Ray Stevens came out with a parody music video - 'The Streak' - that leaped to #1 on the charts!  

But actually, there was an earlier case that's a part of the record: 

George William Crump became the first American college student arrested for streaking. Crump was suspended for the term from his Virginia school, Washington College (now Washington and Lee), but went on to serve in Congress and as ambassador to Chile. With Robert E. Lee's blessing, this activity later became a rite of passage for Washington and Lee men. [Gasp!]

But for those of you - who like me - are in the midst of the remembrance of our Lord's arrest, trials, crucifixion, and burial, we are surprised to find the story of the first streaker!  Are you shocked?  Are you about to accuse me of sacrilege?  

Hold on! Don't judge me too quickly!  Let's look at the evidence.  We find it in our Bibles at Mark 14:43-52,   [All scripture quotes are from the NCV]

At once, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve apostles, came up. With him were many people carrying swords and clubs who had been sent from the leading priests, the teachers of the law, and the Jewish elders.

Judas had planned a signal for them, saying, “The man I kiss is Jesus. Arrest him and guard him while you lead him away.” So Judas went straight to Jesus and said, “Teacher!” and kissed him. Then the people grabbed Jesus and arrested him. One of his followers standing nearby pulled out his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

Then Jesus said, “You came to get me with swords and clubs as if I were a criminal. Every day I was with you teaching in the Temple, and you did not arrest me there. But all these things have happened to make the Scriptures come true.” Then all of Jesus’ followers left him and ran away.

A young man, wearing only a linen cloth, was following Jesus, and the people also grabbed him. But the cloth he was wearing came off, and he ran away naked.

It was late at night - probably around midnight! Jesus led His eleven apostles to the Garden out of a great need to pray for strength before the unspeakable things that were about to occur. Most of us are aware of the disappointment when His apostles couldn't seem to stay awake.  

But all of the scriptures led us to believe that Jesus and the eleven were the only ones there!  What's this?  A young man had also accompanied them?  Who was this?  Did the apostles know he was there?  Did it take the light of the soldier's torches to expose him when the chaos broke out and even the apostles began to flee?  In their running away, did it fleece this young man out of hiding?

But somebody grabbed him by a piece of his clothing!  However, being young and terrified, he left his clothing in their hands as he ran off into the dark!

Aha! The mystery of the first streaker has been solved!

However, we're not done yet!

Some may be aware that it was common in that day for writers to refer to themselves without using their name. The most common incident of this is in the gospel of John. In John 21:20, it says, 

Peter turned and saw that the follower Jesus loved was walking behind them. (This was the follower who had leaned against Jesus at the supper and had said, 'Lord, who will turn against you?') [John 21:20]

Four verse later it says: 

That follower is the one who is telling these things and who has now written them down. [John 21:24]

John never mentions his own name, but consistently refers to himself as the 'follower Jesus loved'.  

It is thought that the writer of Mark did the same.  It is commonly believed that the Apostle Peter took on the training of a younger man as the apostles began to age, realizing that Jesus might not return during their lives.  A consensus agrees that this protege of Peter's recorded the gospel of Mark under the guidance of the great Apostle Peter!  This young man's name was John Mark - also the one who accompanied Barnabas and Saul on their first missionary journey [Acts13:5].

So, John Mark - while writing under the guidance of Peter - conceals his own identity in this somewhat embarrassing moment - by simply referring to himself as "A young man..." [Mark 14:51].  The gospel he wrote is known to us today by his name - Mark!

And now you know THE REST OF THE STORY!  

ARE YOU A DREAMER?

The fable of Perette and her milkpail is one of the oldest fables in the world.  You will even find it in The Arabian Nights. 

Perette was a girl who worked on a farm, and one day the farmer’s wife gave her a whole pail of milk for herself.  So Perette put the pail of milk on her head, for that is where they carried things in those days, and she set off to the market to sell it; and as Perette went she was dreaming her dreams.

Her dreams went something like this:

“I’ll sell this pail of milk, and with the money I get for it I’ll buy some eggs, and I’ll soon have some chicks, and I’ll keep them and I’ll fatten them, and when they are grown into hens, I’ll sell them.  And with the money I get for the hens, I’ll buy a little pig, and I’ll keep him and I’ll fatten him and I’ll sell him.”

And then she began to smile with anticipation. “And with the money I get for the pig, I’ll buy a real silk dress; and I’ll put on my dress, and I’ll go to the dance, and Robin will be there, and when he sees me all dressed in silk, he’ll ask me to marry, but I’ll show him how particular I am; I’ll toss my head and-“

And there and then, in her dream, she tossed her head, as she would do at Robin, and when she tossed her head, off fell the pail, and the milk all spilled, and all Perette’s dreams were gone.  Her castle in the air had come tumbling down. 

[copied from William Barclay’s DAILY CELEBRATION Volume 2, pp.249-250]

___________________________

Oh Hal! Why would you share such a disappointing story with us?

Are you saying that it’s wrong to dream?

Of course not!  Dreaming is a valuable means of picturing our future.  Dreams motivate us and help us to establish goals for our lives.  God has even used dreams to foretell the future in the Bible! 

Yet, to be described as a ‘dreamer’ is not typically thought of as a compliment.  Rather, it implies that a person has their head in the clouds and lives in a fantasy rather than reality.  Apparently their goals and aspirations are unrealistic. 

I’ve always been perplexed by the scripture from Joel 2:28 that is repeated by Peter on the day of Pentecost [Acts 2:17]:

‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and your daughters will prophesy, And your young men will see visions, And your old men will have dreams;  [NASB]

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This passage captivated me as a young man, and now it sort of frustrates me.  I guess I’d rather see visions than dream dreams!  Yet, I readily confess that I’ve attained a season of life when I do more reflecting than envisioning. 

During a recent season when I was called back into the service of day-to-day ministry, I observed several times: “I have the passion for ministry, but not the energy.” 

I’ve not fully examined this realization, but I do recognize that it was deeply affected by Travis’ death in 2015.  Our lives were indelibly changed by this loss!  Debbie retired within two months; I retired a year-and-a-half later. 

In actuality I don’t remember many of my night dreams.  When I do, they are often ridiculous or occasionally involve someone from much earlier in my life! 

I also don’t daydream much.  To be honest, I did a lot more daydreaming when I was younger! 

I do know that I laughed a little too hard at a Facebook post this morning by my friend, Barbra Beatty:

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Perette’s dream was not evil.  It was the dream of a young girl!  It was a bit self-focused and simplistic, but it was innocent enough; the natural fantasies of a poor girl with grand visions.

If she made a mistake, we all know that it was in getting too caught up in her dream and forgetting what she was doing in the present.  In playing out her imagination, she tossed her head and the milk was gone! 

I suppose there’s a time for dreaming, but it’s definitely not while carrying a bucket of milk on one’s head!

SHAKING HANDS

I'm not a politician, but as a pastor I've shaken hands with lots of people over forty+ years in the ministry!  It's an automatic response in our American culture upon meeting or greeting people.  We begin this ritual when we're young and then continue it throughout our lives.  

Other customs exist in different cultures.  The French exchange a light kiss on each cheek.  Some Africans say: "I see you." with the response, "I see you, too!"  That may be the wisest since no bacteria is exchanged! 

Being a guy, I tend to prefer a masculine handshake: firm grip and a prolonged grasp that almost seems to say, "Who can squeeze the hardest."  It's kind of a 'thump your chest' exercise that we both walk away from feeling good.

I always made it a point to visit my siblings at least once a year.  For many years, my brother, Ira, lived in northcentral Pennsylvania.  It was farm country and particularly dairy farms.  When I would attend church with him, I met men who had been dairy farmers all their lives.  As much as I loved a firm handshake, some of these guys about brought me to my knees just by the power of their grip!  😆

Of course the hand shake is usually accompanied with words and eye contact.  If the words and/or eye contact are missing, what is the purpose of this activity.  Typically the words are:

• "Good morning"
• "Hello"
• "Long time - no see!"
• "How are you?"  [We don't really want to know, it's just a greeting.]
• For a while there younger people said:  "What's up?" or Wazzup?"

My late friend, Pastor Charlie Young, always gave the same greeting: "Nice to see ya!".  It never changed.  But when he said it, he sold it with this full-face smile and a noticeable twinkle in his eyes!  Something in me always wanted him to do it again!  When I run into him in Heaven I’ll look forward to getting that smile and greeting again!  😊

But there are some handshakes that are weak and annoying.  I've had people who just seem to give you their hand.  They don't grab yours in the way we might expect; they just give you their hand.  It sort of just hangs in your grip.  There's no squeeze, usually no eye contact and it ends when you get tired of holding their limp hand.   I suppose a counselor could make some guesses about this behavior.  Oh! I'm a counselor!  I think we'll save that discussion for a day when I'm feeling a bit more serious...

I got a reprieve from handshaking from 2012-2015.  We moved to northeast China to teach English for three years.  Handshaking in China is reserved for business meetings and those in the upper levels of the corporate and government worlds.  Instead, I learned to simply say 'ni hao' in exchanging greetings with the Chinese.  According the the Chinese/English Pinyin Dictionary, it means: "Hi", "Hello" or "How are you?"  

On one occasion - while in China - I was shopping with my friend Randy [who had lived in China many years and spoke Chinese quite well].  With my VERY LIMITED Chinese, I negotiated a purchase while he was accompanying me.  As the money was exchanged, I noticed that Randy spoke to the gentlemen.  Suddenly, they all began to laugh.  As we walked away, I asked Randy why the men were laughing.  He explained that he had told them that xia xia [Thank you!] was the only Chinese word I knew.  They seemed to get a kick out of that!  

After a lifetime of shaking hands, however, I may sadly have to begin refusing this cultural tradition.  I remember my father having arthritis in his hands during his later years.  He began his day dipping his hands in hot wax as a treatment.  I escaped the pain of this dreaded affliction for sixty-nine years, however, it has finally arrived and it seems to have packed its bags to stay!  

Like my father, it has settled in my hands - particularly my right hand.  I can no longer make a fist and my writing is almost illegible.  My grip is much weaker than it used to be.  The joints ache pretty much all the time.  

Now, Sunday is a dreaded day for me.  Those firm, 'tight-squeeze' handshakes now cause me excruciating pain.  It's difficult not to wince while this ritual takes place.  That testosterone-laced, extended tight-squeeze handshake that I used to enjoy so much?  Now, it humbles me!  

I'm thinking about getting a 'Sunday-go-to-meeting' shirt that says:  CAN WE SKIP THE HANDSHAKE AND JUST DO A SHOULDER BUMP?

So, if you see me heading for the door rather quickly, don't be offended.  It's a self-protection, pain-prevention escape!  

CONFESSION OF A SEAT-STEALER

It's true!  I steal seats.  I rarely get called on it, but yesterday in church, Cheri Ponziani sat in the seat behind me before church began.  She tapped me on the shoulder and told me that where I was sitting was her favorite seat in the whole sanctuary.  She explained that she loved it because of the sun shining in on her!  I began to offer to surrender her spot, but she insisted that I stay and enjoy it.  I did!

It's not an evil thing that I do.  I guess I'm just sort of an iconoclast.  I like to take different perspectives.  As a hearing-disabled person, I have also discovered that I hear better in certain areas of the sanctuary.  

I'm not prejudiced about the seats I steal.  Sometimes I know that I'm sitting where someone else usually sits - call me mischievous.  😉  However, most of the time I just saunter in and head in the opposite direction from last Sunday!  

And yes, by-the-way, if you're wondering - I did this in college and seminary classes too!  It's remarkable to me what creatures of habit we are!  Why do we tend to claim the same spot so persistently?  

I was raised in the Free Methodist Church and worked in that environment for forty-four years.  We often get asked what we're free from - usually accompanied by a silly smirk.  I'll spare you the lesson in the history of the Free Methodist Church, but I will enlighten you enough to know that part of the reason for our departure from the Methodist Episcopal Church around 1860, was because they sold/rented their pews.  The original founders of the FMC felt that this was unjust to the poor and cited it as one of the reasons for separating from the Episcopals.

So, perhaps my penchant for stealing seats is embedded in me as a result of my denominational heirs [or Haire's].  

Notice that through the years this has not been much of a problem for my wife and family.  For most of those years I had a reserved seat on the platform.  Hmmm...maybe that's partly why I so thoroughly enjoy stealing seats at this stage of my life?  I've finally attained the satisfaction of 'seat-selecting-freedom'!  

But, in my post-retirement years, Debbie has struggled with my penchant for stealing seats.  Since I drop her off at the door, she often goes in and gets settled ahead of me.  When I do enter, I have no idea where she's sitting because she's so friendly that she's moving around talking with people.  So, I plop down in my selection of the morning.  Eventually, she sees me [or is told about my location by someone] and gathers up her stuff to join me.  She's a very patient woman and I love her to pieces!  She puts up with a lot of my specific idiosyncrasies!

So, anyway, I feel better for airing my confession!

By the way, if I happen to sit in your seat some Sunday, please don't be offended.  Perhaps you could consider it a nudge to observe worship that week from a different perspective.  Besides, I am not a trouble-maker.  if you ask nicely - and slip me $10 - I will gladly steal someone else's seat!  😊  

EVEN THE OSTRICH HAS A GIFT!

In Job 38-39, the Eternal God ends all of the conversations between Job and his 'friends' by humbling them all with a somewhat defiant declaration of all that He has done!  

Putting the larger issues of this remarkable book aside for a few moments, let's just look at God's comments in Job 39:13-18.  [All quotes are from The Voice Bible unless otherwise noted].

Commentary:  God now speaks to Job of the ostrich. Is Job as foolish as this stupid bird who leaves her eggs on the ground?

The ostrich flaps her wings,
and the ringing joy is heard.
But her wings and pinions are not like a stork’s. She cannot fly.
She is different from the other birds,
for she lays her eggs straight on the ground,
and she incubates them in the bare dust.
She forgets that a foot might crush them
or a wild animal trample them.
She is harsh to her young, as if they were not even hers.
She is unconcerned at the futility of her labor,
For God denied her a share of wisdom,
and in doling out understanding, He passed her by.
Oh and yet, look at her when the time comes to run—
she spreads her strange wings and
laughs at the horse who must be guided by his rider
although she is an absurd bird who can’t even fly.

Alright, I just did some quick research and discovered that an ostrich can indeed run faster than a horse!  They can run over 30 mph!  They can run faster than many birds can fly!  Other facts amazed me:

• they can be 8' tall
• the only animal with a longer neck is the giraffe
• it's the world's biggest bird
• it can weigh as much as two men
• they are the third fastest land animal

But, they're stupid!

Hey! Don't get upset with me!  God said it!  Just above, God admits that He "...denied her a share of wisdom and in doling out understanding He passed her by."  

Consequently, she can run like the wind!  She looks like a bird, but cannot fly!  She is a poor mother, recklessly laying her eggs in the open and failing to care for them:  "She is harsh to her young, as if they were not even hers."

This begs the question:  So, why did God bother to make the ostrich?

The only answer I can come up with is: BECAUSE GOD WANTED TO!  😊

By her speed, she glorifies God!  The girl can run!!!!!!

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Humans can be cruel!  At one time or another you've heard someone described as "not the sharpest tack in the box".  Maybe you've even been described with terms like this?  Everyone's gift is not intellect!  Duh.  

I'm guilty!  I've laughed at 'dumb-blonde' jokes.  We enjoy the humor associated with blondes, while knowing full well that the generalization is untrue!  

I remember a discussion when I was serving as a member on the school board of a Christian school many years ago.  We were debating if we should have a vote for a 'king' and 'queen' to be part of the senior's end-of-year event.  Some board members argued that it was nothing more than a popularity contest or beauty pageant.  

A fellow-member of the board [a woman I had high regard for] spoke up:

You know, we honor our youth who are good at sports.  We honor those who can give excellent speeches or sing beautifully.  We recognize those who get the highest grades!   These kids are just naturally good in these areas.  It's where their strengths are!  Why not allow those who happen to be good looking to be recognized?  It's their strength!  It's one of the ways that God blessed them!  

She convinced me!  

Being smart isn't everything!  It's great, of course, but it doesn't make a person a better human than others!  Smart people can be rude and aloof!  

God gives some the gift of intellect while doling out His other gifts and talents to the whole of humanity.  

Come on, you've noticed this!

You've gotten to know a physically unattractive person who you determined was one of the nicest people you've ever met!

You were assigned a seat beside a fat kid and discovered that he had a contagious sense of humor!

You know someone - perhaps even a family member - who doesn't get jokes and admits openly that he doesn't understand difficult things.  But, he's the life of the party; or, she adorns the church altar with gorgeous flower arrangements most Sundays!

Intellect is a wonderful thing!  But it's not for everybody!  We all excel in some way.  It just takes longer and a little more effort to discover it in some of us!  

Take the time!  Look for the nuggets!  God delights in this person for some reason!  Be determined to figure out what it is!!!!!!

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Creator of the ostrich,

Help me to look for the hidden gifts in Your people!  May I be determined NOT TO JUDGE critically, but to patiently get to know people well enough to see Your reflection in their lives!  I really need help with this, God!  

And thanks for making the ostrich!

Amen.

MY BIG SISTER

I have previously mentioned Jeannette in several family blog articles, however, I never focused specifically on her.  I suppose part of my reticense was because there is SO MUCH TO SAY and so many stories that could be told.  Now that she has preceded me to Heaven, it's time to reflect on the way she lived her life. 

I was born January 27, 1952.  Less than a month later, Jeannette turned fifteen!  I have no memory of her living at home.  I also have no memories of her that do not include her (late) husband, Bob (known to most as Lib).  Her oldest son, Tom, is just four-and-a-half years younger than me.  He has a younger brother, Bob, as well.  

Jeannette and Lib always lived in Beaver Falls or Chippewa.  Since the other Haire children moved away, she played a vital role in our Mom and Dad's lives.  When I was growing up, she would flit in and out of their home on William Penn Way in New Brighton at least a couple of times a week.  Her visits were on-the-run, but were thoroughly enjoyed - mostly by our Mom.  We also made fairly frequent trips to their various homes.  

Jeannette loved our parents so much and cared for them attentively even in the midst of her very busy life.  She was the only one of the four children who took after the Walton side of our family.  This lineage afforded her two outstanding characteristics:  a nervous, hyperactive personality type and a phenomenal sense of humor!  

The stories abound!  As we gather to celebrate her life, I'm certain many of them will be retold followed by animated laughter!  Allow me to give a few examples:

In August of 1961, my brother, Ira, married Joyce Twitchell in Willow Grove, PA.  That's near Philadelphia.  Jeannette and Lib started out on this journey along with our cousin, Olive (who was - at the time - married to Lib's brother, Johnny).  [Olive was a co-conspirator with Jeannette in many of their escapades.]  Not even halfway into the trip, they had car troubles along the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  

When Lib was unable to quickly fix the car, Jeannette declared that she wasn't going to miss her brother's wedding.  She and Olive grabbed their suitcases and flagged down a Greyhound bus.  They convinced him to allow them to ride along to Philadelphia.  Upon arriving, they called Joyce to arrange a ride.  Joyce sent her uncle to the downtown Philadelphia bus station.  They all arrived barely in time for the wedding.  Unfortunately, the bus had passed quite close to Willow Grove, which could have saved a lot of time.  However, this was a time previous to cell phones.

Meanwhile, Lib was left alongside the Turnpike with two very young boys and a broken down car! 

Now picture two crazy, hyper, determined women flagging down a bus and then climbing on board carrying their suitcases.  It became part of the legend that was MY SISTER

An even earlier story illustrates the kind of faux paus that she could stumble into.  

One of my father's sisters lived in southern Ohio along with the branches of her own family.  At least once a year, my Dad would load us up for a visit "down-the-river" to see Aunt Goldie and Uncle Eber - who lived in a hollow and had a dairy farm.   

It was quite an experience for us city slickers!  Things were done a lot different down there! 

On one occasion, Aunt Goldie gave Jeannette some letters and asked her to take them down the lane to the mailbox.  As Jeannette walked away, Aunt Goldie reminded her, "Now don't forget to put the flag up!"  

Some moments later, they observed Jeannette walking down the lane with the letters and struggling to carry the American flag with her! 

One more that I'll have to clean up a bit.

One evening after the boys were grown and gone, Jeannette and Lib went to a steakhouse in Chippewa that featured a salad bar.   After eating, they went to the laundromat to do several loads of clothes.

Part way into the washing cycle, they both realized that had had an urgent need to use the restroom.  They pulled the soaking wet clothes from the washers, threw them into the car and took off for home.

Meanwhile, their son, Bobby, saw them and followed them blinking his lights to get them to stop.  When they did, he jogged up to Lib's window to talk to them.  Lib simply said, "We have to go home to..."  Then, he squealed tires as he pulled out - leaving Bobby standing alongside the road! 

But the best part of the story occurred when they got home.  Lib was a big guy at this time and wasn't capable of moving very quickly.  Jeannette took advantage of this and hopped out, running ahead of him to their only bathroom!  

I can only tell you that these are just a sample of the MANY stories that characterized my sister!  

She was always in a hurry;  always near frantic.  

Oh, I can't resist the temptation;  one more story!

Lib didn't always attend church with Jeannette.  When she could, she brought the boys with her.  Sometimes she came alone.  One Sunday, they had all come, but Jeannette was on automatic pilot and got in the car and drove home without Lib and the boys.  

When she got home and found no one there, she remembered that they had gone to church with her!  Franticly, she flew back toward the church, only to find Lib walking with a boy on each hand across the Beaver Falls - New Brighton bridge.

I think we'll skip the video of that encounter for now...

She made life fun!  She peppered life with shenanigans.  She lived life in the fast lane!  But no one can bring allegations that she ignored her family!  She was dedicated to them!  And they knew it!  Her boys brag about how she attended not only all of their sports games, but most of their practices, as well. It is only fair to say that during these years, her life was totally focused on her boys!   

She adored our parents and stayed in close contact with them always.  After our Mom died (1981), our Dad eventually needed help because of some physical challenges he was facing.  Jeannette oversaw his care and visited him regularly.  Eventually, she moved him into their house so that she could care for him even better!  He and Lib established a close relationship during that time.  

She stayed active all her life in the New Brighton Free Methodist Church.  Sadly, after her health failed, pastors failed to visit her and care for her.  However, several lay members did visit her periodically.  She loved the Lord and used her influence to point her boys in the right direction!   She believed in prayer and trusted the Lord for all her family's needs.  

She was also highly regarded in her workplace!  She started out as an employee in food service at the Blackhawk School system.  Gradually, she learned and grew in skill and knowledge to become the overseer of the entire system.  It was a huge responsibility that garnered her a ton of respect and admiration.  

There are two things I learned about my sister that made me appreciate her even more:

First, she and my brother, Ira, knew our Grandma Walton.  Our Mom's Mom had given each of her three daughters a home in Beaver Falls.  She gave our folks her own home on Mt. Washington upon their marriage in August of 1934.  However, with our Mom, Grandma Walton added a stipulation:  that she be allowed to live with them until her death.  

Ira remembered that she had a desk in the parlor that was not to be touched.  It was where she transacted her business.  Jeannette and Olive remember being sent around to various properties to collect rent.  Some of these properties were in the area of Brady's Run Park.  She was apparently a shrewd businesswoman.  She and our father must have gotten along pretty well;  we never heard him make a negative remark about her.  

The little I know about the Waltons (for instance, Grandpap Walton had the first automobile in Beaver Falls), came from Jeannette and Ira!

Second, she - like me - was spoiled!  :-)  Being the first child and having our parents to herself for three years before Ira was born, she enjoyed the complete focus of our parents!  When I visited Jeannette about ten years ago, she showed me photo albums filled with pictures of herself!  I have about three pictures of myself as a baby or young child!  [I know - this is common in all families!]

In addition, she talked about our Dad spoiling her with pretty dresses and clothes!  Beverly also tells of special attention from our Dad.  It's possible that he may have favored his daughters over his sons.  I'll have to talk to him about that someday...  ;-)   Of course, Beverly left when I was eleven, so I had six years where I had Mom and Dad all to myself.  My siblings accused me more than a few times of being spoiled!  Shear jealousy!  

I loved my sister!  The only time she was ever mean to me was during a ten minute tirade when she informed me that all the privileges that I enjoyed with our parents had been paid for by her endurance in breaking the ground for me Bev and Ira!  I still have the birthday gift that she gave me when I turned ten!  It was a vinyl album by a new group.  It's title was:  INTRODUCING THE BEATLES!  

Thanks, Jeannette!  Thanks for all you did for so many of us!  Thanks for loving Jesus!  Thanks for giving the world two great sons, two grandsons, one granddaughter, and seven great granddaughters (so far)!  Thanks for the legacy of laughter!  Enjoy your rewards...

And say 'Hi' to Mom and Dad, Ira and Travis for me!   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JESUS HAD SISTERS!!!!

Matthew 13:56 (NIV)
"Aren't all his sisters with us?"

I wonder how his relating to his sisters colored his life?  They had to have had an impact on him.  Surely they helped him better understand how women think and react.  Being a big brother helped develop him into the caring Lord we love so much!  They probably taught him at least a little about patience as well.  😂

I have sisters too!  Two of them! 

Jeannette is almost fifteen years older than me.  I never remember living in the same home with her - although I'm sure I did for at least a couple of years.  She married (my late brother-in-law, Bob Liberty) Lib right after graduating from high school, so he was always part of my life, too. 

Jeannette (of the four of us) seems to have taken more of our maternal side - the Waltons.  She has the looks and humor of my mom and aunts (Goldie and Sylvia).  Along with that side she has also always been high-strung and nervous.

I've seen her laugh - LOTS;  and I've seen her cry.  She is a passionate person!  Early in my life she had two sons:  Tom and Bob.  I was an uncle before I was five!  They are awesome men and were each amazing sportsmen (Lib made sure of that!).  😉  They were both written up in the local papers repeatedly when they played high school football. 

Tom went on to become a teacher and coach and has garnered a lot of respect from his students and peers.  Bob developed business interests when he was young and has expanded that into a significant enterprise today.  I love these guys and their wives and children and grandchildren!  Proud to call them FAMILY.

Jeannette was constant motion all her life!  When I was growing up (in New Brighton), she would flit into our Brighton Heights home and back out again several times a week.  She dearly loved our parents and would stop by frequently to check in - usually with the boys in tow.  We often visited her home as well (Beaver Falls and then Chippewa). 

Jeannette is in a nursing care facility today and is struggling with dementia.  Most of the time she knows us, but her short term memory is 'short term'.  But she's always sweet!  Her boys take good care of her - in spite of the terrible limitations due to Covid-19. 

Jeannette will be most remembered for the absolutely hilarious stories that have come from her life!  Many of these stories involved Lib and our cousin, Olive (Aunt Sylvia's daughter).  I'll just tell one for your enjoyment today:

This story took place in late August of 1961, when my brother, Ira, was about to be married to Joyce Twitchell in Willow Grove, PA (near Philadelphia).  

Of course, our family all made the pilgrimage to Willow Grove for the wedding.  Lib, Jeannette, the babies, and Olive started out and made it part way across the state before having a breakdown.   

Things pretty quickly deteriorated as they pondered what to do.  Ultimately, Jeannette and Olive grabbed their bags as she said over-her-shoulder, "I'm not missing my brother's wedding!" 

They flagged down a Greyhound bus and boarded it (just picture that!) - leaving Lib sitting along the turnpike with a broken down car and two babies!   

They made it to the wedding!  And somehow, Lib managed to get himself, the car and the boys home!  All ended well - I guess! 

These kind of stories abound.  When we get together and start sharing them, we end up wiping the tears from our eyes from so much laughter! 

Jeannette has been a blessing to me through the years!  Our growing family enjoyed swimming in their pool!  She's been generous with me in many ways!  We had lots of nice times with them at their vacation home in Pymatuning!  She was a major care-giver to our Dad during the last year or two of his life! 

Thank You, Lord, for putting Jeannette in my life!

I also have Beverly in my life!  She's seven years older than me and I do remember living with her.  In those days, we didn't get along so well - I was the pesky, miserable younger brother!  🤣

When I was eleven (or so), she left home and used our brother, Ira, as a launching pad for her adult life.  She held a number of jobs in the Rochester, NY area.  My favorite was when she worked for a tie factory - I got lots of really nice ties during that period.  😃👔

She renewed a friendship with her childhood friend, Nancy, and they both settled in that area.  Bev eventually met Dick and they married.  I dropped the needle on a song during their wedding in our folk's living room in December of 1967.  I liked Dick because he drove a cool, blue Mustang!  He was an amazing roller skater and has a laugh that everyone enjoys.  He worked for many years as a meat-cutter and then worked for Dupont until his retirement!  I remember eating lots of good meat at their house - and his home-made spaghetti sauce is to die for!!!!!  😍   Heather was born in the spring of 1973. 

When I attended college in North Chili, NY, they often welcomed me for dinner and game nights.  Sometimes I brought friends with me.  Debbie and I were dating then, so we also spent some great times in their apartment.  I used to call them in the middle of the night while I was doing 'nightwatch' - just to harass them!  Dick would just hang up on me! 

Dick had been previously married and had a son, Scott (born in 1964).  He eventually came to live with them.  He was an amazing kid!  He would stand beside me in my '63 Chevy and tell me exactly how to get where I wanted to go!  Scott grew up to be a video-gamer and that led to his career in computers. 

As our family grew, we often camped in their back yard -sometimes for a whole week!  We would swim in their pool and eat their food!  Bev took us to the Rochester zoo several times!  It was a cheap vacation for the poor preacher and his family! 

Most of all, Beverly's impact has been spiritual.  She takes most after our Mom!  She is a godly woman with a deep prayer life!  If you know her, she's one of the first to respond to Facebook friends who ask for prayer.  She's my number one prayer partner (after Debbie).  I have absolute trust and confidence in her. 

I hope Jesus was as blessed as I've been with good sisters!  They've made a big difference in my life and I thank God for them! 

 

 

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE COOL?

I picked up a forty-something truck driver in Ravenna this week and gave him a Lyft to Austintown.  That gave us a good opportunity to talk.  I ended up telling him a few stories along the way.

He was pretty amazed that I'd hitch-hiked 10,000 miles between 1969 and 1973.  I talk a little about this in my blogger banner.  Most of these miles were between Rochester, New York (where I went to college) and New Brighton, Pennsylvania (my hometown).  My last two years found me making frequent trips home for weekends to be with Debbie.  I also hitch-hiked between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh several times during summers while I was working on a roofing crew and living with my brother.  My new friend was particularly impressed when I talked about sleeping on the side of the road from time-to-time [in that time period, traffic significantly dropped off after dark].

Then I told him about Deb and me moving to Kentucky in 1973.  I drove the U-Haul truck and she followed in our big, old Buick.  I had discovered that I could save money by returning the truck to Cincinnati, so, I loaded my Honda 90 in the back of the truck and headed back to Ohio.  It was my reasoning that I should return the truck with a near empty tank.  Consequently, I ran out of gas four miles from the dealership!  I had to unload the bike and go for gas to finish the trip to the dealership.  Upon arriving, they promptly filled the gas tank and charged me a premium price for the tank of gas!  😯  Then I still had a 100-mile trip back to our new apartment on a Honda 90.

The last story I shared with him was about leaving Roberts Wesleyan College in June, 1971, and driving that same Honda 90 to Willow Grove, Pennsylvania [nearly 350 miles at a top speed of 50 mph].  It took me several days!  I spent my nights in old YMCA's along the route where I was able to get a room for $5-7/night.  The doors had no locks and I shared the bathroom with older men who also roomed there.  I put a chair up against my door each night!  It was creepy!  But I made it - with a very tired and sore behind!

Anyway, when we arrive at his health club and he was getting out of my car, he stuck his head back inside and said, "Harold, you're a cool guy!  You ought to write a book!"  For the record:  I don't get told that I'm cool very often!  😊

THOUGHTS ON TURNING 68

On the occasion of turning sixty-eight, I thought I'd make a few statements and observations.

It feels strange that I've now lived longer than my mother did.  She died two months before attaining this age.

In my whole life, I never once looked forward to turning sixty-eight.  It happened with no fanfare, no cake, no special dinner, no family gathering, no candles, no singing...birthdays change as you get older!  Debbie did present me with a really special card, two new flannel shirts and a bag of chocolates!  My family all sent birthday texts to celebrate the event.  I got a birthday card from my 403b plan;  also one from Debbie's Aunt Bonnie Lou!  My Facebook friends inundated me with greetings!  It took me over two hours to respond to them all...

Thus far, I've faced no age that has presented itself as a crisis age.  I look forward to turning seventy because I'm committed to eating a whole package of Klondike bars that day!  When I turn seventy-five, I plan to eat a whole dozen DeAngelis cream-filled donuts (if they're still open).  

I have distinct liabilities:

• My hearing grows increasingly bad!  It hinders my desire to be with people and even to attend church.
• I no longer sleep well through the night.  An uninterrupted  four-hour-sleep is a welcome thing!
• I've heard my father and siblings speak of arthritis problems for years.  I'm now beginning to experience this unwelcome guest in my shoulders at night - another sleep interruptor.
• Throughout my younger years I loved staying up late at night and getting up early in the morning.  I've finally given up the late-at-night thing.  First, I gave up on late-night comedians.  Next I gave up on 10:00 PM shows - I missed too many endings.  Now, I find myself struggling to make it till 10:00 PM.  9:30 PM seems to be my new bedtime!
• I still get up at 5:30 AM.  Often it's to drive for Lyft, but it's also because I can't take the pain of staying in bed any longer.  Sleeping in is a luxury I no longer enjoy.
• I recently embarked on a renewed effort to lift weights, exercise and walk.  I had to reduce my effort due to lower back pain.

I also have significant blessings:

• I serve a risen Savior and live with the hope of Heaven!
• I have a faithful wife!
• My family loves me!
• I have two incredible grandchildren!
• We own our home.
• The Social Security Administration makes monthly deposits to my bank account!
• The Free Methodist Pension Department does the same!
• For the most part, I enjoy driving for Lyft at least several days a week which further advances my bank account.
• Thanks to Troy (and help from friends and family) we have a wonderful two-car garage!
• We own three vehicles:  2003, 2005, and 2008.
• In addition, we own a cabin at the Tri-State Campground (thanks in part to Travis) and a 2001 fifth-wheel-camper.
• My wonderful, soft bed is pre-warmed all winter by a mattress heater.
• We have a freezer full of food and a well-stocked pantry!
• Our dog seems to really like me.
• The neighbors appear to think I'm okay.
• We go on vacations at least several weeks every year.
• I have friends from MANY different countries!

Did you notice that my blessings outnumber my liabilities?  They really do - by far!  I'm a fortunate and blessed man!  My life isn't as active and engaged as it was even four years ago, but I still have more to be thankful for than I'm capable of reviewing in a brief blog article.  Thanks be to God - let's see what this next year holds.

Will I hit the Appalachian Trail again?

Will we find an opportunity to serve in another country?

Will I finish any of the three books I've started?

Will I volunteer for Samaritan's Purse?

Will we make our much-awaited trip out west?

Stay tuned for the answers...

I FINALLY WAS LOCKED UP!!!!!

I procrastinated and failed to get our 5th wheel camper winterized.  I was worried that the cold weather we surprisingly had over recent weeks might have caused some damage.  Then, the good Lord sent us several days of 50-degree-plus temperatures!  Woo Hoo!  

So, Tuesday morning I pulled the camper from New Middletown to Heron Woods where we could work on it with electric.  My good brother-in-law, Charlie came over to walk me through the process for the second year.  Troy also showed up as my faithful back-up!  In short order, we had the lines flowing with antifreeze!  What a great feeling!  

Debbie wanted to pack some items for our mid-winter trip to Florida, so I let it sit overnight.  After loading lawn chairs, blankets and a few sundry items, I pulled it back to the storage facility.  It was late afternoon and due to a stop at Ace Hardware, I was losing sunlight as I arrived.  The wind was gusting significantly!  

I must have backed it up and pulled it forward over twenty times trying to get it exactly where it is supposed to be!  In-and-out of the truck repeatedly to check distances and line-up!  It goes much faster when I have someone to help!  Finally, I got it where I wanted it.  Then came the unhitching and securing everything before I could leave.

   

When I pulled the truck up to the gate and entered my code - nothing happened!  I entered it repeatedly - with no results.  What in the world?  The mechanism didn't seem to be working...what could be wrong.  Now it's dark and the wind is atrocious!  

As I sat at the closed gate with my headlamps on, another truck pulled up from the outside.  We each got out and walked to the gate.  I told him that I couldn't get the gate to open.  He smiled and said, "I know.  And you're not going to get it to work for a good while!"  

"Why?" I asked.  He then reported that the Salem electric (which powers this stretch of Calla Road) was out!  I felt like a prisoner!  He asked where I lived.  I told him Enon Valley.  He told me that if I could climb the fence, he'd be glad to take me home.  I thanked him and told him that I'd call my wife.  Turns out he was a brother to one of my former parishoners from Free Methodist Community Church in New Middletown!  :-)

I called Deb and she told me she'd leave right away.  I parked the truck and sat in it briefly.  Then, I decided that I'd rather scale the fence with no one watching.  It's an eight foot cyclone fence that I could have climbed easily when I was in my twenties.  Not so easily at sixty-seven.  I hoped no cars would go by and think I was trying to escape after stealing from the storage units.  

First, I was able to pull myself up onto a large steel box that housed the motor for the gate.  From there it became more challenging.  The gate is topped with spikes (think Trump's wall).  The fence itself was topped with razor wire!  There were really no footholds for me to use to get over the top.  I decided to try a point where the gate and fence met.  As I vaulted over the top - trying to get my large foot into the small squares of the fence - something let go and pitched me into the barbed wire!

I was in a PREDICTAMENT!  I had no foothold and was feeling the barbs through my good down jacket and piercing my arm, I had very few choices.  I ripped my arm loose and dropped myself to the ground,  Somehow, in the process my jeans had also been shredded below the knee and were whipping in the wind.  Quite a few cars had gone by during this escapade and I expected the police to arrive at any moment!  I was disgusted, wounded and my self-esteem was flagging significantly!  

Did I mention that it was dark - and the wind was blowing - and the temperature was dropping fast?  It sure seemed to take Deb a long time to get here!  I never imagined that Calla Road had so much traffic on a Wednesday evening!   I must have looked VERY suspicious!

Anyway, she finally arrived and took me home where I nursed my wounds and settled into my chair for the evening.

The evening was uneventful until I crawled into bed.  I take supplements three times a day:  morning, noon and night.  I take them with a full glass of cold spring water from our tap.  I've been known to walk away from the sink leaving the water running.  Once, I did it with the hot water;  when I discovered it - it was running cold!  

Anyway, as I was about to drift into a comfortable, healing sleep, Debbie stepped into the room and asked:  "Do you have the water running in the kitchen for a reason?"  I began to giggle and couldn't answer or stop!  She began to laugh too!  Needless to say, I went to bed happy - in spite of myself!  

STAY PUT - STAY DRY!

When I was leading the Oakland Church in East Liverpool, there was a man named Terry Wilson who was part of our congregation.  Terry was a big guy and a very handsome, bearded man.  He loved motorcycles and often rode his bike to church. When he came to Christ, all his passion transferred to his faith!  In his younger years he had ridden with a pretty tough group of guys and had even been somewhat of a leader of this gang of bikers.  Terry was not a man to be messed with.  He had a quick temper and was fierce in his response.  I have his permission to share this story with you.  You'd enjoy it far more, if you could hear him tell it!

After becoming a Christ-follower, Terry and a biker-friend decided to head for an outdoor rally being held by televangelist Pat Robertson.  When they arrived, they parked their bikes and joined the crowd of thousands who were enjoying the experience.

At some point during this field venue, a major storm began to approach the area.  The sky to the west grew darker and increasingly ominous.  Reverend Robertson instructed everyone to stand still and join him in prayer as he prayed for protection for the crowd and the event.  

Terry and his friend looked at one another and quickly decided to run for their bikes and high-tail-it to escape the storm.  They took off running across the field to where the parking area was located.  As they arrived at their bikes the cloud-burst let loose - soaking both of them to the bone.  

Realizing it was too late to escape, they dragged themselves back across the field to rejoin the crowd.  Everyone who had stayed with the crowd was completely dry!  More than a few snickers were heard as Terry and his friend rejoined the group of worshipers!  

AT - THINGS I'LL MISS

OK, we're going to do this David Letterman style:

10.  THRONE TOILETS

I'll still see them on occasional visits to restaurants and hostels, but for the most part, I'll be using privies and cat holes.  Oh well, I got used to 'squattie potties' in China, so I guess I can endure this, too.

9.  TELEVISION

Since retirement, I enjoy an hour of news every morning and another hour every evening.  I also watch a few shows with Debbie.  It's relaxing and entertaining.  Won't be any of that in the great outdoors.  But, God's display will replace it and I'm TOTALLY excited to see His handiwork!  The mountain views are a big part of why I'm doing this!

8.  POPCORN

Anyone who knows me knows that I eat popcorn six or seven nights a week!  I'll really be looking forward to a big bowl of buttery popcorn when I get back! 

7.  MY CHAIR

Almost every evening, I fall into my recliner chair to read, watch TV or nap.  :-)   With Debbie in hers beside me - all is right with the world!  All I have to sit on for the next six months is a small foam pad that I luxuriously stashed into my backpack.  I'll be thinking about that chair every night!

6.  SUNDAY NIGHT NACHOS

Just about every Sunday night, Deb and I enjoy a big tray of nachos with melted cheese and jalapenos on them with a large bowl of home-made salsa!  I might be able to hit a few Taco Bells along the way, but it'll be a far cry from what I really like!  Sunday nights are going to make me think of home!

5.  GOING TO CHURCH

I've almost always loved being part of a church family.  Right now, Deb and I worship with the New Springfield Church of God family.  We're just beginning to get to know folks there.  I love to worship!  I'll miss that huge!!!!!   I will find a church on Easter Sunday.  I may occasionally be in a trail-town on a Sunday.  If I can shower and launder my clothes, I'll try to attend church from time to time.  Otherwise, every day will be a worship day as I walk through the green tunnel of God's wonderful creation!  Count on it - I'll be worshiping the Lord EVERY DAY!!!!!!

4.  MY BED

I love my bed!  It's a memory-foam.  When I laid on it at Goldstein's, I got up and told the clerk that we'd take it!  She was shocked!  I've never regretted my decision!  I love my bed with its heating pad!  Wow!  So comfortable.  But, my sleeping mattress will be better than any of the pads I've used in the past while hiking.  I spent $50 on it!  Deb, Troy and Missy have all tried it out;  they were each impressed!  So, I'm hoping I'll sleep well on the trail!

3.  DRIVING

I love to drive.  Always have!  I got my license one week after I turned 16, and have been driving ever since (except the three years we were in China).  I love my 2004 Xterra, that drives like a truck and has lots of rattles and other noises.  Driving relaxes me.  I love long trips with Deb.  But, I'm going to slow it down for the next six months.  From 70 mph to 2 mph.  No regrets!  When (if) I reach Mt. Katahdin (Maine), I'll probably be scared to death with my first ride in a car again!  :-)

2.  MY FOOD

I love to eat!  It's a daily pleasure.  Whether its a visit to Wendy's, Pizza Hut, McD's or home-made meals, I love to eat!  Three times a day works well for me!  :-)  When I get to do it with Deb or others, it's all the more enjoyable.  I'm a slow eater!  EVERYBODY finishes before me!  I think I got this from my Mom.  I've prepared scores of 'freezer bag meals' for my trip.  Some of them will be delicious!  I'll have

• home-made chili over mashed potatoes
• spaghetti and meat sauce
• vegetables over mashed potatoes with gravy
• oatmeal/fruit breakfasts
• granola breakfasts
• potato/cheese,bacon bits breakfasts
• barbecue dish
• PB&J tortilla lunches
• jerky and beef-stick and cheese
• gorp

But, when I get home, I'll be ready for a trip to Das Dutch Haus in Columbiana - hopefully on a Thursday night when they serve that delicious 'Chicken Dribble' soup (my personal name for it)!  

1.  DEBBIE

We started walking together in 1968, when she first asked me out (she denies that, but it's true).  That's a long time.  I love her more than myself!  She's an amazing wife and mother and I am grateful to God for a godly wife every day!  She 

• comforts me
• serves me
• encourages me
• prays for me
• loves me
• and blesses me

and she does these things faithfully EVERY DAY.  I don't deserve her, but God has been gracious to place her by my side!  Thank You, Lord!  

I will miss her and think of her constantly!  I'll connect with her as often as I can.  She'll meet me in Carlisle, PA, when I get there and we'll take a few days to rest and relax together.  I can't wait!  Say a prayer for her while I'm away - she's going to miss her antagonizing and extremely humorous husband a lot!  

That's my 'Top Ten List' of things I'll miss the most.  Tomorrow's the big day!  Woo Hoo!

Buying Sneakers

I remember my Mom taking me to Pic-Way to buy my tennis shoes.  I was embarrassed about that, but, at least I occasionally got new ones!  When I became a teenager, I begged her to buy me a pair of Converse tennis shoes; she conceded and took me to Northern Lights and bought me a pair for $15. I remember how upset she was to pay such a price!

She infected my thinking!  Ever since, I hate to pay a lot of money for a pair of shoes!  I squawk and complain when Deb tries to talk me into spending $50 (or more) for a pair of shoes!  In my head, I know that shoe prices have gone up considerably since 1967, however, part of me still thinks that paying over $15 is criminal!

I've been stating recently that I need a new pair of sneakers for summer. So, today Deb took me to Gabe's to buy me a pair for Father's Day!

As usual, she quickly became distracted at the entrance along with hordes of other women who were sitting on the ground sorting through boxes of jewelry (most of which was a tangled mess). Meanwhile, I cruised through the store and picked out several items that I found interesting.

Then I got to the shoe section well ahead of her.  I quickly perused the stacks of size 11 shoes and found a pair to my liking.  Just as I was removing them - Deb arrived.  Here are the shoes I selected:

Cost - $35

Deb seemed to feel the need to give me other options.  So, soon I was trying on pair after pair of sneakers of a variety of brands, styles and colors!  

She liked this pair:

Cost - $50

Which, of course, is out of the question since I had already found a pair I liked for $35.  But, she's persistent and the shoes kept coming at me!  

"How about this pair?"

Cost - $55

Need I say more?  However, I must admit that they would go nice with my new daily uniform of blue jeans and T-shirt!  

"Do you like these?"

Cost - $50

They were too soft;  almost like they were made of foam rubber!  Besides, they're RED!  Are you kidding me?

"These are nice!  They're a lot like the ones you're wearing now..."  [Tactical move!]

Cost - $45

"They're OK, but what about the ones I picked out before you got here?  Don't you like them?  They're only $35!"

She didn't seem to hear me.

Suddenly, I remembered the advice our family doctor had given my Dad MANY years ago:  

"Leonard,

Never skimp when it comes to two things:

your shoes and your bed!

You spend all day in your shoes and all night in your bed.

Spend the money on these items as an investment in your health!"

Should I follow Dr. Chadwick's advice?  Should I shuck out the extra for these sneakers?  I was feeling the pressure!

"Here's a nice pair;  they're young-looking!"  [Big smile!  -  The heat is on now!]   

By the way, I'm 65!!!!!

I was beginning to feel the need to compromise!  Besides, I was on the verge of a panic attack and really needed to escape the shoe department!  By the way, did you know that green is my favorite color?  Yep, just like God, I LOVE the color green!

But, there was still time on the clock!  "I really like these, plus, you've never had blue sneakers before!  And, they're only $40."

That was it!  I caved!  Sorry guys...

So, these went back on the shelf...

...and these went home with me!

But I don't think I'm allowed to wear them until Father's Day.

I hope they wear well because I need some time to recuperate before going through this process again!  Whew!